Mark Zuckerberg appeared before lawmakers this week to defend his company’s handling of Instagram and Facebook as scrutiny intensifies over child safety, mental health concerns and the power of social media platforms.
Zuckerberg, the chief executive of Meta Platforms, was questioned by members of Congress about whether the company has done enough to protect young users from harmful content, online exploitation and addictive design features. Lawmakers from both parties pressed him on internal research and company practices related to teen mental health and the platforms’ recommendation algorithms.
The hearing comes amid broader legal and regulatory challenges facing Meta. In a separate antitrust case brought by the Federal Trade Commission, federal regulators argue the company maintained an illegal monopoly in social networking through its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. Meta has denied the allegations, saying the purchases were lawful and benefited consumers by improving the services.
Zuckerberg has also testified in civil litigation alleging that social media platforms were designed in ways that contribute to anxiety, depression and other harms among young users. In one high-profile case unfolding in Los Angeles Superior Court, plaintiffs claim Instagram’s features encouraged compulsive use among minors. Meta disputes those claims and says it has introduced safety tools, parental controls and age-verification measures to protect teens.
During questioning on Capitol Hill, lawmakers cited concerns about explicit content, cyberbullying and the spread of harmful material to children. Some called for stricter federal regulations, including stronger age restrictions and greater transparency about how algorithms promote content.
Zuckerberg defended the company’s efforts, pointing to investments in content moderation, artificial intelligence systems and safety teams. He said Meta has removed millions of accounts violating child safety policies and continues to refine its protections.
The renewed attention reflects a broader debate in Washington over the influence of social media companies and whether existing laws are sufficient to address concerns about competition, privacy and online safety.